Safety

Benelux Police Treaty as best practice for the EU

16 Jan. 2025

An inspiring event on Thursday 16 January took place in Brussels on the recently entered into force Benelux Police Treaty and the strengthening of security cooperation within the European Union and beyond. The meeting, organised by the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU and the Benelux General Secretariat, provided a platform for progressive discussions on cross-border security challenges.

The Benelux Police Treaty, which officially came into force in 2023, is an important step in cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. It modernises and intensifies cross-border policing and focuses specifically on current problems such as organised crime and drug trafficking. The event gave participants the opportunity to explore the practical applications and ambitions of this renewed treaty.

The meeting brought together a wide range of representatives from across Europe, including attendees from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Sweden, Hungary, Cyprus, and non-EU countries such as Norway and Switzerland. Patricia Creutz of the Benelux Parliament, Ambassador Chris Hoornaert of Foreign Affairs (BE) and Jean-Claude Meyer, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux also signed present.

Panel discussion
After a welcome address by Peter Moors, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the EU, and Frans Weekers, Secretary-General of the Benelux, experts shared their insights during an interactive panel discussion led by Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux, Michel-Etienne Tilemans. Topics covered were:

• The opportunities of the Police Treaty, by Mr Simon Verdegem, Head of the Belgian Federal Police, International Police Cooperation Directorate (CGI).
• The treaty in a European context, by Mr Philippe Rosseel, Director of Internal Support and International Relations, FPS Home Affairs Belgium.
• The Convention in the context of the fight against drug crime, by Ms Ine Van Wymersch, National Drug Commissioner of Belgium.
• Luxembourg’s perspective on the Benelux Police Treaty, by Mr Florent Goniva, Director of International Affairs, Grand Ducal Police Luxembourg.
• Implementing security in the EU, by Mr HP Schreinemachers, Head of the JHA Department, Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the EU.
• Another best practice: Nordic security cooperation, by Ms Anna-Carin Svensson, Director-General for International Affairs, Ministry of Justice Sweden.
• Insights from the European Commission, by Mr Olivier Onidi, Deputy Director-General for Security, DG Migration and Home Affairs (HOME).

The programme concluded with a review of the successes of the ‘Belgian Dual Presidency’, a combination of the Benelux and the Council Presidencies of the European Union.

Cross-border cooperation as key to security
The event highlighted the importance of solidarity and cooperation across national borders to effectively address security challenges. The Benelux Police Treaty illustrates Benelux’s pioneering role in European integration and cross-border security.

The meeting underlined once again how joint efforts are crucial to tackle modern challenges such as organised crime and drug trafficking. Initiatives such as these set a powerful example for other regions within Europe.